Acting President of Lithuania receives letters of credence from new Ambassador of Japan

2004.04.26

Vilnius, April 26th. Acting President Arturas Paulauskas of the Republic of Lithuania received today the letters of credence from newly accredited Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan Gotaro Ogawa. After a solemn ceremony of presentation of the letters of credence, Acting President Arturas Paulauskas discussed with the Japanese Ambassador development of bilateral relations and future co-operation between the two states.

In his speech, the Acting President of Lithuania noted with satisfaction intensifying relations between the two countries. He further expressed belief that Lithuanias membership in the European Union and NATO will open up new possibilities for both countries to enhance co-operation in political, economic, tourism, education and cultural areas.

I highly value people-to-people contacts between our countries and I am pleased that today citizens of Lithuania and Japan can learn more about each other as they participate in the ongoing processes within the global community. This adds to the enhancement of understanding and trust as well as to the promotion of the bilateral relations between our countries, which I consider highly promising, Acting President Arturas Paulauskas said.

While referring to the development of bilateral economic relations, the Acting President expressed belief that rapidly growing economy of Lithuania will attract the interest of Japanese investors.

Situated at the crossroads between the east and the West, Lithuania is not only well familiar with its neighbours but has also established with them good neighbourly relations and is experienced in steeping up such relations, Acting President Arturas Paulauskas noted.

The Acting President of Lithuania also conveyed, on behalf of the Lithuanian people, the most sincere greetings and wishes to His Imperial Majesty Emperor of Japan Akikito, as well as the wishes of prosperity and well being to all the people of Japan.

Press Service of the President

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